The Times Are Changing! Tyson’s CEO Shares Why He’s Excited About Plant-Based Protein on Radio Show

November 7, 2017

The future of food is indeed plant-based and Tom Hayes, CEO of Tyson Foods, agrees. During a recent episode of the North Carolina Public Radio Show, Tom said he is excited about the growth of plant-based protein. “We’re also looking at anything that consumers want, as well as can be an affordable, sustainable technology … to help feed the world on a sustainable basis. So, absolutely, plant protein, very excited about it,” Tom told host Kai Ryssdal.

Tyson’s interest in plant-based meat isn’t surprising. Last year, the company invested in plant-based meat company Beyond Meat, the first veggie burger to be sold next to meat in the frozen section of the grocery store. Thanks to growing awareness that meat is not the healthiest or the most sustainable source of protein, demand for alternative protein sources are at an all-time high. According to some estimates, the plant-based meat market is set to reach $5.2 billion by 2020 and could make up one-third of the market by 2050.